Province announces $10.5M for RMI

Money to be split between 14 resort communities

SOLID GROUND British Columbia's resort communities have been making their case for continued RMI funding for the past year.

The provincial government has re-upped its investment in B.C.'s resort communities to the tune of $10.5 million.

Tourism minister Lisa Beare made the announcement in a news release on Oct. 12.

"People who live and work in resort municipalities will benefit from improved infrastructure, increased private investment and a more diversified economy as a result of this boost to the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI)," Beare said in the release.

"We're committed to creating jobs and building a strong economy that works for everyone. Strengthening our tourism sector by supporting the RMI is one way we are delivering on that commitment."

How much of the money will be directed to Whistler isn't specified, but according to the provincial government's website, the formula for funding distribution will likely remain unchanged before March 31, 2018.

Whistler received about $6.6 million in RMI funding in 2016.

The 13 other RMI communities are: City of Fernie, Town of Golden, Village of Harrison Hot Springs, District of Invermere, City of Kimberley, Town of Osoyoos, Village of Radium Hot Springs, City of Revelstoke, City of Rossland, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality, District of Tofino, District of Ucluelet and the Village of Valemount.

"Whether it's going skiing in Sun Peaks, storm watching in Tofino, a summer get-away in Osoyoos or a hiking adventure in Valemount, resort municipalities provide year-round experiences that are unique to our province," Beare said in the release. "The RMI enriches the lives of British Columbians who live in resort municipalities, contributes to better experiences for tourists and it boosts local economies."